A first aid kit may contain different materials, especially since there are different types of it. However, top first aid kit materials may be present in all the first aid kit types. Such items will be discussed below, including their usage.
What are the Top First Aid Kit Materials?
There are different first aid kit checklists, which may vary according to usage. However, basic items might be present in all types of first aid kits. The Australian Government’s Department of Health lists the top first aid kit materials.
Crepe Bandages
This first aid kit material is a woven, elasticated bandage, usually made of cotton. It comes in different shapes and sizes and can be used for different body parts.
Purpose
It supports the healing of sprains and strains by providing good compression to injured areas.
Usage
Different first aid practices may be followed in crepe bandages according to which part of the body it will use. For example, using it for wrist injuries includes the following first aid steps:
- Wrap the crepe bandage around the forearm above the point of the injured wrist.
- Wrap the crepe bandage around the wrist and base of the hand. It is done in a figure-of-eight pattern to ensure that the areas above and below the joint are equally covered.
- Loop the crepe bandage firmly around the lower forearm and secure it using tape.
Different instructions must be followed if using a crepe bandage for injuries in the ankle and knee. Aside from learning what these are from a first aid course in 123C Colin St West Perth 6005, you will also know how to do it from such first aid training.
Triangular Bandages
Many people may already be familiar with this first aid kit material since it’s used visibly on the arms.
Purpose
It acts as an arm sling or as a pad to control bleeding. In addition, triangular bandages also support or immobilise an injury to a bone or joint or as improvised padding over a painful injury.
Usage
To use a triangular bandage, you may:
- Ask the person to hold their arm across their chest and support it.
- Put the bandage under the arm, then around the back of the neck.
- Put the other half of the bandage over the arm, meeting the shoulder, and tie it into a knot.
- Tuck the loose ends of the bandage in at the elbow.
Doing the last first aid step is better done with the help of a safety pin.
Safety Pins
Considered a partner of the previous first aid kit material, safety pins are bent metal pins with a clasp on one end to prevent a person from being poked.
Purpose
As described above, safety pins are used to tuck the loose end of a bandage. It is used for fastening things together, such as fabric or clothing.
Dressing Strips
Aside from home and workplace, dressing strips are also a top first aid kit material in hospitals since they may be used for basic first aid to wound care and management by surgeons.
Purpose
These cover a break in the skin to help control the bleeding and protect the skin from infection.
Usage
To use dressing strips, you may:
- Cut strips.
- Put each strip over the two sides of the cut so that it holds the wound together. Don’t put them in the same direction as the cut.
The above instructions may be followed repeatedly until the wound is completely closed.
Hypoallergenic Tape
This particular first aid kit material is designed to adhere firmly to the skin while leaving minimal residue once removed.
Purpose
Hypoallergenic tapes are used to secure a dressing pad or bandage in place.
Usage
Application of this first aid kit material may be done by:
- Loosen the edges.
- Tighten the skin next to the tape with your finger.
- Pull slowly at an angle from a corner.
Once it needs to be removed, using an adhesive remover may help minimise residue.
Usage
The below steps may be easy to follow:
- Start by inserting the safety pin through a bandage from the outside to the inside.
- Close the safety pin and slide close the clasp.
Ensure the second step is followed so the patient won’t get scratches and pricks.
Sterile Eye Pad
This first aid kit material is oval-shaped and made specifically for the eye socket.
Purpose
This is used as an eye dressing to stop bleeding and keep wounds clean.
Usage
Together with a hypoallergenic tape, applying an eye pad is done by:
- Ask the patient to close both eyes.
- Position the eye pad diagonally over the closed lids of the affected eye and tape firmly and gently. The tape must go to the forehead and cheek.
Application of an additional 2-3 pieces of tape may be done to ensure the eye pad lies flat.
Gauze Swab
This first aid kit material is a white piece of medical dressing that has many purposes.
Purpose
A gauze swab is made for wound exudate absorption and skin and wound cleaning.
Usage
After washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water, you may then:
- Grasp the wrap angle firmly, then tear off the wrap angle; this ensures that the corner of the gauze swab is also grasped.Â
- Pull the wrap angle while grasping the gauze corner between the edges of the wrap angle.
Touching the part of the gauze swab that comes into contact with the skin is discouraged. This part must remain clean and sterile.
Other First Aid Kit Materials that Come in Handy
The following first aid kit materials may also help provide a first aid treatment:
- Alcohol swabs – disinfect the skin before surgical or non-surgical procedures.
- Stainless steel scissors – for cutting gauze and bandages.
- Disposable gloves – reduce the risk of infection and cross-contamination.
- Stainless steel pointed splinter tweezers – for removing a splinter or a tick.
- Shock (thermal) blanket – keeps a patient warm after suffering significant blood loss to reduce the risk of them getting hypothermia.
- Notepad and permanent marker – for proper recording of first aid management that will be helpful for the emergency support to see.
- Sterile saline tubes/sachets – to flush debris from eyes and clean minor cuts and grazes.
- Disposable resuscitation face shield – used in providing CPR.
- Antiseptic skin swabs – to sanitise wounds and surrounding skin.
- Stop itch cream – soothes and relieves the itch and discomfort caused by irritated skin, mild skin burns, or sunburn.
- First aid booklet – a manual that contains information on appropriate first aid responses to various emergencies.
Being familiar with the above first aid kit materials may be helpful before you make your first aid kit or buy one. Using them correctly during emergencies is another life-saving piece of information you may want to acquire. This is possible by enrolling in first aid courses in Perth that equip you with other skills and knowledge besides knowing how to use first aid kit materials.
Conclusion
The top first aid kit materials are considered basic items that may be included in all types of first aid kits. Each has its purpose and usage that, if used together, may help treat someone or save a person’s life. This may be possible, especially if the person who uses them has the knowledge and skills in first aid response. Such life-saving information may be acquired from the training offered by accredited first aid course providers in Perth.
